The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA074f
Friday, 25 July 2008
EXTRA $146,000 SUPPORT FOR TASMANIA’S VETERANS
The Rudd Government has provided a further $146,743 for ex-service organisations across
Tasmania to directly support the needs of local veterans and their families, the Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.
Mr Griffin said the Government had continued to show its strong commitment to the valuable
work of ex-service organisations (ESOs), particularly advocates, pension and welfare officers
who do a great job in helping Australia’s veterans, war widows, widowers, dependants and
current serving members access their entitlements.
“Many veterans look to local ESOs as a first point of contact for advice on getting government
services and benefits and it’s important for ESOs to have the tools and equipment they need to
provide that support,” Mr Griffin said.
“Today’s funding of more than $4.42 million nationally will help ESOs employ trained advocates,
pension and welfare officers and meet ongoing running costs.
“This round of grants builds on the $2.24 million in grants for capital equipment I announced last
month which helped ESOs purchase equipment and resources such as printers, computers and
internet access and met an election commitment to provide additional capital funds for ESOs.
“I am pleased more than 480 ESOs have benefited from more than $6.66 million in BEST
funding nationally in 2008.
“In addition to funding through BEST, this year around 3000 people have been trained through
my Department’s Training and Information Program (TIP). While BEST funds people and
equipment, TIP trains the people who support veterans.”
Mr Griffin said advocates, pension and welfare officers make a real difference to the quality of
claims received by his Department.
“My Department received more than 49,000 income support and compensation claims last
financial year. By funding, equipping and training advocates, pension and welfare officers, the
claims process can operate as efficiently as possible, delivering veterans their rightful
entitlements sooner,” Mr Griffin said.
Mr Griffin encouraged all ESOs and community organisations interested in applying for funding
to support projects for veterans to contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, phone 133 254
(metro callers) or 1800 555 254 (non-metro callers), or visit www.dva.gov.au.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
Editors note: A list of grant recipients is attached.
To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email please go to minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
Building Excellence in Support and Training Tasmania Recipients
The BEST Program Tasmania Joint Venture Committee will receive $110,563 to help
employ a pension officer, a part-time administrative assistant and cover ongoing
consumable costs.
Hobart Legacy will receive $22,500 to help employ a part-time administrative assistant.
Launceston Legacy will receive $8253 to help employ a part-time administrative assistant
and cover ongoing consumable costs.
The Tasmanian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia will receive $327
to help cover ongoing consumable costs such as stationary and office supplies.
The Australian Federation of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-servicemen and
Women will receive $5100 to help employ a part-time welfare officer.
NEWS 
